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Toronto Hydro 2014 CR Report_FINAL

Brighter NightsTM
Toronto Hydro co-hosted four Brighter NightsTM community events in 2014 to help increase
safety and energy efficiency in priority neighbourhoods across the city. The program is a joint
effort with the City of Toronto’s Community Crisis Response Program, Toronto Community
Housing, Toronto Police Service and local volunteers.
Volunteers and agency representatives visited neighbourhoods, replacing over 1,000 bulbs
with energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) — which cost little to keep on
overnight while helping make the neighbourhood safer. Volunteers also raised awareness
about the importance of disaster preparedness and distributed emergency starter kits
including a flashlight, battery-powered radio and an emergency checklist. Since 2012, we’ve
visited more than 25 communities and installed approximately 5,000 CFLs to help brighten
these priority neighbourhoods.
CIBC Run for the Cure
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s CIBC Run for the Cure helps fund innovative
research, health education and advocacy programs that aim to reduce the incidence and
mortality rate of breast cancer. In 2014, Toronto Hydro’s team raised $4,195 for this
worthy cause.
Protecting Toronto’s tree canopy
Trees help us conserve energy by providing shade and reducing air conditioning demands.
They naturally clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and help prevent erosion and excess
water run-off, protecting our equipment. It’s no wonder that we’re committed to preserving
Toronto’s tree canopy — trees are natural conservationists and can help customers manage
their bills and collectively reduce our city’s emissions.
We host an annual tree planting event with non-profit organization, LEAF — Local
Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests — to engage our employees in this important
cause. In 2014, 278 employees and their families planted 300 native trees and shrubs in
Scarborough’s Dean Park. Since 2003, Toronto Hydro employees have planted
approximately 3,400 trees.
Partnering with the TDSB to raise funds for bike
racks in public schools
In the fall of 2014, Toronto Hydro launched the Team Up for Green Program with the Toronto
District School Board (TDSB) to increase participation in some of our programs and services
while raising money for new bike racks for schools. Customers were invited to sign up for
paperless billing, pre-authorized payment or peaksaver PLUS® to earn Toronto Hydro
incentives for TDSB public schools. The program generated more than 9,400 sign-ups for
Toronto Hydro programs and services, and we donated approximately $78,500 towards bike
racks for TDSB schools.
66 TORONTO HYDRO 2014 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT